Job Discussion Forums

[JzeroT1937]

The title explains everything in brief. At the end of May I'll finally have my MA in English and will be setting abroad to teach. I have never traveled internationally, so this will all be new to me. My two immediate options are Shanghai, China and Seoul, Korea. I'll be doing both--Shanghai one year and Seoul the next, or vice versa, so don't think that I'm ruling out one for the other. Rather, my goal here is to find out which country/city you guys think I would most easily acclimate to in my first year of the program.

I'm pretty adventurous and have found my way out of tight spots many times during my travels in the US, so I'm not particularly concerned with the possible perils of international travel. I'm looking instead to find out which city is the most international of the two and which is the most cultural. From afar, Shanghai seems to be more of a business than a cultural capital. My friend there is happy teaching but says that the faculty likes to ride one another and expects tons of paperwork. My friend in Seoul is pretty happy all around--quick internet, attractive women, and jobs galore, or so he says.

Anybody here have suggestions, advice, or knowledge which would help? As I said, I'm going to both over the next two years, but want to make sure I start out on a good foot and don't get jaded on the whole endeavor.

[nickpellatt]

This isnt either answer you are seeking.

You mention being adventurous, so why not try somewhere away from the bright lights of the big city? I spent almost two years in China a million miles away from McDonalds, KFC, and all things Western...and that was the beauty of it.

I never went to Shanghai...so cant really comment on it...but if you are an adventurous soul........stay away from big cities and places where 1000s of other Foreigners are.

I did visit Beijing for a week....but hated it...and was so happy to get back to my little Chinese town in the middle of nowhere.

That might just be me tho, I dont ever like the idea of big cities.

[surrealia]

I would recommend reading more from experienced teachers who have taught in both countries. You can find some good information here:

http://www.geocities.com/allhou/korea.htm

and here:

http://www.geocities.com/allhou/china.htm